Monday, 15 May 2017

Preventing Accidents At Home: Top Tips For Safety-Conscious Mums

If you’re a mum, you’ll know all too well that it’s impossible to prevent every accident around the house. Short of following your kids around with a giant roll of cotton wool, there’s no way of keeping them safe every minute of every day, but there are ways you can reduce the risk of unwanted accidents at home. Here are some of the most common problems parents face, and some simple tips to prevent them.

Falling down the stairs

Every parent dreads the sound of their child tumbling down the stairs. You want your child to be adventurous and to explore, but when it comes to learning to walk up the stairs, there’s not a moment when your heart doesn’t feel like it’s in your mouth. If you have a crawler or a toddler, it’s best to fit safety gates at the top and bottom of the stairs and to guide your child up and down the stairs, letting them become more independent as they build their confidence. Once your children are old enough for the gates to be removed, try and make sure you keep the stairways clear and don’t let them walk down in giant slippers or novelty princess shoes. You’d be surprised at how many accidents are caused by trying to scale the stairs in unsuitable footwear.

Trapping fingers

There are few things more painful for a parent than watching their child trap their fingers in the door. It feels like slow motion, and you can’t seem to get there fast enough to stop it from happening. As adults, we know how sore the fingers can be afterwards, and it’s even worse for a little one. Try and discourage your children from playing with doors from an early age and use door accessories, such as finger guards, to keep your kids safe. It’s also a good idea to use door stops to ensure that doors are closed firmly.

Burns

Burns are incredibly painful, and they can cause lasting damage to the skin. If you have children, it’s essential to take extra care when you’re cooking or using electrical appliances. If you’re preparing a meal, put your baby in a high chair far away from the stove or ask your partner or a relative to watch them in a different room. Never leave the oven or hob unattended. Test food before you give it to young children. If you use electrical gadgets like hair straighteners or curling tongs, don’t leave them lying around and make sure you turn them off after use.

Falling objects

As your child becomes more independent and adventurous, they’re likely to start reaching for things, and this can cause objects to fall on them. Make sure shelving units and bookcases are secured firmly and remove heavy items from shelves that are accessible.

If you’re a mum, you probably live in fear of your children being injured in accidents. It’s not possible to prevent every cut or graze, but there are lots of ways you can make your home safer. Hopefully, this guide will help you to minimize the risk of accidents at home.